Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy and world No. 3, stands at a crossroads as he eyes a return to the ATP Tour at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, set to begin on May 7. The four-time Grand Slam champion, whose electrifying play has redefined modern tennis, has been sidelined since withdrawing from the Madrid Open in late April due to a double injury—a small tear in his right adductor muscle and discomfort in his left hamstring. With the French Open, where he is the defending champion, looming from May 25 to June 8, Alcaraz’s potential participation in Rome carries significant weight for his clay-court preparations and his pursuit of the world No. 2 ranking.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a tale of brilliance marred by physical setbacks. He kicked off the clay swing with a commanding victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling final to claim his sixth Masters 1000 title and reclaim the No. 2 ranking. “I am really happy with the way I am playing,” Alcaraz said in Monte-Carlo, exuding confidence despite earlier losses in Indian Wells and Miami. However, his momentum faltered in the Barcelona Open final, where he lost to Holger Rune in straight sets. During that match, he felt alarming twinges in his right adductor, prompting a medical timeout. “The second set started with long rallies, intense rallies … I felt something in my right adductor which set alarm bells ringing,” he recounted, admitting the difficulty of staying focused amid physical concerns.
The injuries forced Alcaraz to skip his home tournament in Madrid, a decision he described as gut-wrenching. “It’s not an easy decision because Madrid is the first tournament I have ever been to as a young kid, it’s the most special place for me to play,” he said. Yet, prioritizing his health, he added, “We took the decision not to take risks for the future.” His optimism for Rome remained intact, as he expressed hope to be back on court soon. “I expect to go back to court and start practising in a couple of weeks. Rome is still a possibility, but for sure I’ll be in Paris,” he noted, underscoring his confidence in defending his Roland Garros title.
Recent developments have fueled optimism about Alcaraz’s return. Medical scans revealed that the adductor tear has fully healed, and he has resumed training in Murcia, Spain, under the watchful eye of his team, led by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Video footage showed Alcaraz hitting with intensity, both thighs strapped for support, as he tested his body with competitive practice sets. Reports indicate he plans a high-intensity session on May 5—his 22nd birthday—before deciding whether to travel to Rome on May 6. “My confidence is high, the last two weeks have been good for me,” Alcaraz said after his Madrid withdrawal, reflecting a mental resilience that has defined his career.
The Italian Open holds strategic importance for Alcaraz. With only one prior appearance in 2023, where he suffered a shock third-round defeat to Fabian Marozsan, he has no ranking points to defend, offering a low-pressure opportunity to regain match fitness. A deep run could also see him overtake Alexander Zverev for the No. 2 ranking, ensuring a favorable draw at Roland Garros. The Rome field is formidable, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner returning from a doping ban, but Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal due to fatigue gives Alcaraz a clearer path. “I don’t know the feelings over there, but for sure I’m gonna enjoy that tournament,” Alcaraz said in 2023, eager to embrace the passionate Italian crowd.
Alcaraz’s candor about his physical and mental challenges adds depth to his narrative. After a 2024 season featured in the Netflix docuseries Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, he admitted to mental struggles, saying, “I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong.” Yet, his Monte-Carlo triumph and recovery efforts reflect his resolve. As he prepares for Rome, Alcaraz balances ambition with caution, embodying his philosophy: “You have to think about yourself sometimes, and make the right decisions as to your health.” Whether he takes the court in Rome or conserves energy for Paris, Alcaraz’s journey remains a compelling saga of talent, grit, and growth.
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